RESEARCH

PROBLEM
CHAPTER 1
RESEARCH PROBLEM
A research problem is a definite or clear
expression [statement] about an area of
concern, a condition to be improved upon, a
difficulty to be eliminated, or a troubling
question that exists in scholarly literature, in
theory, or within existing practice that points
to a need for meaningful understanding and
deliberate investigation. A research problem
does not state how to do something, offer a
vague or broad proposition, or present a value
question.
 There are four general conceptualizations
of a research problem:
Casuist Research Problem
This type of problem relates
to the determination of right and
wrong in questions of conduct or
conscience by analyzing moral
dilemmas through the application
of general rules and the careful
distinction of special cases.
Difference Research Problem -- typically asks
the question, “Is there a difference between two
or more groups or treatments?” This type of
problem statement is used when the researcher
compares or contrasts two or more phenomena.
Descriptive Research Problem
-typically asks the question, "what
is...?" with the underlying purpose to
describe the significance of a situation,
state, or existence of a specific
phenomenon.
Relational Research Problem
-suggests a relationship of some sort
between two or more variables to be
investigated. The underlying purpose is to
investigate specific qualities or
characteristics that may be connected in
some way.
PURPOSE OF RESEARCH
PROBLEM
1. Introduce the importance of the topic being
studied.

2.Forms the base of where you are going

3. Place the topic into a particular context.

4. Provide the framework for reporting the

results.
STEP 1

Select a broad area of interest of a

research topic

Example :
Costs of farming
 STEP 2
To move from topic to a manageable research
problem, ask questions about the topic such as "who
/ what / where / when why / how?"

Example :
What are the issues in the costs of farming? What
is being done to control costs of farming? What
factors are responsible for price increases? How
effective are institutions in controlling farming costs?
STEP 3
Select one narrowly defined problem. Ask
relevant questions that will help answer the
problem

Example :
Are government agriculture inputs price
policies effective? Does the level of training by
farmers affect cost of farming? What is the role of
agricultural institutions?
STEP 4
Write a problem statement consisting of
several sentences that briefly frame the
issues to be investigated, indicate the
significance of the question, and includes a
declaration of what you will do.
Example:
Farming costs are escalating. Farmers are
unable to buy inputs. Many people have
proposed pro- farmer policies. Among the
potential solutions are price subsidies.
Questions exist regarding the impact of price
subsidies. "In this project I will..." or "This
study will..."
1. It should address a gap in knowledge.

2. It should be significant enough to

contribute to the existing body of research

3. It should lead to further research

4. The problem should render itself to
investigation through collection of data

5. It should be of interest to the researcher

and suit his/her skills, time, and resources
1. The author specified the topic (area), not
the research problem

2. The research problem is not of a value or

does not make sense

3. The research problem is trivial, too simple

1. Personal experience and interests of researchers.

2. Various theories in the discipline of the

researcher.

3. Related Literature- Literature from one’s own area

of interest.

4. A reproduction of past research studies.

THANK YOU!
• ANY QUESTIONS?